Look no further for up-to-the-minute news on events, museums, attractions and more updates for New York City kids and families

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If there are two things New Yorkers hold near and dear to their hearts, it's beautiful artwork and great music (and if we're being honest, the opportunity to get a few likes on social media doesn't hurt, either).
Sing for Hope combines these elements with its returning art installation where 50 gorgeously painted pianos are placed throughout the city—a wonderful opportunity to snap a selfie and have an impromptu lesson. Kiddies will love running their fingers through the keyboards in the backdrop of their favorite NYC location. Parents, you'll probably want to join in, too.
We can't say we blame you. All of the unique, intricate paintings are different, so no location will sport the same piano. Looks are inspired by Broadway hits and the masterpieces of impressionist artists. Even better? Your brief, melodious respite from day-to-day activities is all for a good cause, as Sing for Hope looks to make art easily accessible for everyone through various programs and events.
Speaking of which, jot down June 4 in your calendar. The Sing for Hope launch will kick off at 28 Liberty Plaza at noon, and will provide the opportunity for musicians young and old to try their hand at a few songs. Plus, performers will be on hand to jazz things up, though the artists have yet to be released.
Can't make it to the opening event? No sweat! The pianos will find their way to various family-friendly places throughout the five boroughs after the June 4 kickoff. Look for a piano at some of t

Although we live in the greatest city in the world, one in five New York children doesn't have a guaranteed meal. City Harvest, the renowned food rescue organization, is looking to change this statistic.
The Feed Our Kids Food Drive is currently underway, and will take place until Father's Day (June 17), so there is ample time to make a donation for those in need. If you're doing a bit of delayed spring cleaning, chances are all of the requested items are taking up real estate in the kitchen. Here's what the organization is looking for:
Plastic jars of peanut butter
Packaged macaroni and cheese
Soups
Hot cereal and/or oatmeal
Canned fruits and vegetables
Canned beans
Juice packs
Easy enough, right? We're all more than likely to have some extra cans lying around. The great thing is once you have your offerings ready to go, City Harvest—with the help of schools, various companies and organizations and New York City’s Fire and Police Departments—makes it easy to drop off items.
On your way to or from work, you can make a pitstop at these locations:
Apple Banks across all five boroughs
Good Will locations across Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens
The City Harvest headquarters, 6 E 32nd St
NYPD precincts across the five boroughs
Various FDNY locations across the city
Now that summer vacation is on the horizon, many children won't be guaranteed a bite to eat from school, so any help is certainly appreciated. According to the organization, 2,800 chi

It's time to start brushing up on your acrobatics and tumbling. The Muse—a Bushwick-based circus community—is bringing the fun to Gowanus, so step right up for a glimpse of the see-it-to-believe-it stunts.
After a celebratory bash on June 10, the venue's 303 Third Ave locale will officially be open for business the following day—silks, Lyra and all. For those who have yet to experience these fun, whimsical offerings, you must make a pitstop.
"The beautiful thing about the circus is that there's a place for everybody," says Angela Buccinni Butch, founder and director of The Muse. "We know in our neighborhood how much it has pulled everyone together."
Photograph: Courtesy Andrew Foster
With the hopes of bridging communities and offering a safe space for kids (and adults) to convene, circus artists Rebecca Stronger and Zoi Moulinos approached Buccinni Butch with the idea of opening a (slightly smaller, but equally entertaining) space in the family-friendly Gowanus area. Now, Brooklynites are more than ready to indulge.
"We're [trying] to put Brooklyn and the circus together and extend the family," Buccinni says.
On the 10th, visitors are welcome to test out free courses (though online registration is required) and get a taste of what suits them best. Family acro will begin at 11:30 am, followed by adults and partners acro at 12:30, tumbling and handstands at 1:30pm, an aerial sampler for kids at 2:30pm and the empowering teen class, "Girls Have Muscles, Too" at 3:

Who can resist a trip to the museum? What about trips to multiple attractions...for free?
As part of the River to River Festival, the Downtown Cultural Association will welcome visitors to various Lower Manhattan venues on June 19 from 4–8pm at no charge. Night at the Museums is guaranteed to unleash excitement and curiosity (and perhaps a bit of exhaustion, as the list is rather extensive).
So where can you go during this nighttime adventure? The China Institute, Museum of Jewish Heritage, National Archives at New York City—and kid favorites such as the South Street Seaport Museum and the Skyscraper Museum—are among the participants. Essentially, Downtown Manhattan is your oyster, so you're going to want to keep this checklist handy to ensure you don't miss anything.
As an added bonus, these stops are all within walking distance of one another, so if you want to take your whole crew to the shindig, there won't be too many travel-related complaints. Plus, each stop offers a little something different, so regardless of kids' interests, they'll get an education about a variety of topics.
But if your youngster is really looking forward to actually spending a night in the museum (for real, sleeping bags and all) check out our list of the best museum sleepovers for kids in NYC. He or she can spend a night aboard the Intrepid and have their mind blown at Ripley's Believe It Or Not (among other places, but unfortunately, these options are not free of charge.)
Are you ready

All aboard! Disney Cruise Line just announced its 2019 lineup, and there are a few ships pulling into port in NYC. Make sure to pack your mouse ears and get ready for an experience like no other.
These upcoming offers (which leave out of NYC) provide even more options for families, from exciting new destinations to travel packages. No matter what you're thinking for your next getaway, chances are Mickey will help you plan the ultimate family vacation. Start jotting down notes, because you don't want to be late for the following very important dates.
If you want to go to the Bahamas:
2019 Disney Magic 7-Night Halloween on the High Seas Bahamian Cruise: Departs from New York on Oct 27
2019 Disney Magic 7-Night Bahamian Cruise: Departs from New York on Nov 3
If Bermuda is calling your name:
2019 Disney Magic 5-Night Halloween on the High Seas Bermuda Cruise: Departs from New York Sept 25, Oct. 12 and Oct. 17
If you want to head north to Canada:
2019 Disney Magic 5-Night Halloween on the High Seas Canada Cruise: Departs from New York on Sept 30
If the Caribbean seems like a good fit:
2019 Disney Magic 5-Night Very Merrytime Eastern Caribbean Cruise from New York to San Juan: Departs Nov 10
If you're thinking about a trans-Atlantic cruise:
2019 Disney Magic 10-Night Westbound Transatlantic Cruise from Dover to New York: Departs Sept 15
There are a lot of excellent options. To learn more about prices, accommodations, activities and more, click here

Summer is so close, we can almost taste it (just like that hot dog from Nathan's).
Coney Island is the ultimate warm-weather destination, and now that Deno's Kiddie Park is officially open for the season, there's no excuse not to make a trip. Beginning today, the 16 rides and games for tykes will welcome little visitors daily beginning at noon. Anyone else anxious to make a visit to Dizzy Dragons?
After satisfying your sweet tooth at Deno's Sweet Shoppe—perfect if you're craving popcorn, cotton candy, churros or all of the above—your kiddies can choose from a plethora of rides such as the Big Trucks, Carousel, Pony Carts and much more. (For those who are a bit more adventurous and not intimidated by heights, not to worry: The Wonder Wheel is waiting for visitors to take a few loops around.)
Yay & Hooray! #ConeyIsland's Deno's Kiddie Park with 16 fun rides, games to play, Deno's Sweet Shoppe and Famiglia Pizzeria now OPEN DAILY at 12 noon STARTING TODAY, MONDAY #May21! #WeatherPermitting https://t.co/S16IRRpA9f #KidsJustWannaHaveFun #SummerFun pic.twitter.com/OHij9oFqoP
— Denos Wonder Wheel (@WonderWheelPark) May 21, 2018
If you can't get there ASAP, there's certainly no reason to fret. In celebration of the Coney Island Boardwalk's 95th birthday, the New York’s Landmarks Preservation Commission designated it as a scenic landmark, which guarantees that the 2.7 miles of the Riegelmann Boardwalk will never be torn down (*breathes a sigh of relief*).

If you thought that your gender reveal party was nerve-wracking, just wait until you have to come up with your baby's name.
The task is daunting, considering you have yet to meet your little bundle of joy. If we're being honest here, you're guaranteed at least a few arguments with your spouse over the topic. (Fingers crossed other family members mind their Ps and Qs.) Despite it all, one thing's for certain: This is a serious situation.
Last week, Social Security revealed a list of the most popular boys' and girls' names of 2017, and many parents and parents-to-be reviewed the findings to see what made the cut and what got the boot. Now, your home state is in the spotlight with its top 2017 picks. If there's one thing New Yorkers appreciate, it's a good trend. So without further ado, let's take a look at the trendiest New York baby names of 2017:
Boys:
Liam
Noah
Jacob
Lucas
Joseph
Girls:
Olivia
Emma
Sophia
Mia
Ava
What do you think? Do any of these sound enticing for your family's new addition? If you still need some time to think about it, take a look at 2017's most popular names throughout the country. Don't forget to see what's trending in 2018 thus far.
There are a lot of adorable choices, and it can certainly feel overwhelming, but remember to enjoy the special time above all else. Happy naming!
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Calling all moms-to-be: Don't forget to check out our favorite

LEGO fans are in a celebratory mood, and there are certainly no complaints.
In honor of 60 years of these toy bricks, the Scandinavia House just released a new exhibit, "LEGO Bricks: A Celebration," which features 30,000 loose LEGOs in an interactive play zone, sculptures and mosaics—truly the building blocks of a fun museum day! (See what we did there?)
But there is another milestone also worth celebrating. In order to honor 40 years of the the police officer minifigure, LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Westchester will host a month-long Birthday Bash on weekends in June (beginning June 1), which will include sessions in the Model Builder Academy, scavenger hunts, meet-and-greets and more. Who could possibly say no?
Make sure your phones are fully charged because you're not going to want to miss the photo opportunities. The police officer will kick off the meet-and-greets on June 1-3, followed by Lloyd, the Green Ninja of Energy (June 9–10), Wyldstyle from The LEGO Movie (June 16–17) and Kai, the Red Ninja of Fire (June 23–24).
For those super-savvy LEGO fans, you'll be pleased to know there is also a way for kids to head to the attraction for free (exciting indeed).
Get ready to celebrate LEGO fans—we'll see you in June.
39 Fitzgerald St, Yonkers (westchester.legodiscoverycenter.com).
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Need help making plans? Look no further. Take the whole gang for a trip to one of these awe

Summer in the city is a blast for all New Yorkers, and everyone—including dollies—need to plan accordingly.
Fortunately, American Girl Place is working to ensure that all visitors make the most out of the season with a slew of entertaining events. Trust us, these can't-miss, quintessential NYC activities will be a hit amongst the kiddos and their girl pals.
When you have the opportunity to hit your favorite toy store and an iconic New York destination, who can resist? American Girl at Wicked (July 25, 2–6pm, $155 per person), offers the chance for families (yep, that includes dolls) to see a classic Broadway show. Following the performance, attendees will be invited back for dinner at the American Girl Place Café, where they will receive a goody bag to take home...and a bit of time to shop around the store.
But Broadway isn't the only destination American Girl dolls will hit. On July 12 (from 11:45am–5pm for $97 per person), families can take in the spectacular views of the city on a Circle Line Cruise, and a delicious dinner at the Café will follow. Make sure everyone (toys included) wears a fancy outfit for the big occasion!
After all the adventure, don't forget to stop by and meet Luciana—the 2018 Girl of the Year. Get the 4-1-1 on Miss Luciana Vega, an aspiring astronaut, by way of interactive science demonstrations and a fun space-themed craft. While supplies last, kiddies will have the chance to score a free shirt, too! This event is free and open to

Unleash your artistic side the next time you make a Randall's Island pitstop. After all, what goes better with a springtime picnic than a fun project?
The NYC attraction—known for exciting festivals and bucolic scenery—is welcoming visitors to color, cut and paint with its new FLOWC(ART), the traveling art supply cart that makes its debut on Fridays from 3:30–5pm in May and June (weather permitting). If you're anxious to make a free DIY project to take home, stop by the 103rd St footbridge to start your latest masterpiece.
"Our goal is to have people come and have fun creating park-inspired art projects," Jennifer Wainwright, the communications manager of Randall's Island tells us. This week, park-goers big and small can try their hand at making pieces inspired by the beautiful trees on the grounds, so make sure you get your hands on the proper tissue paper and coloring tools.
Though this new free program was meant to be a pop-up activity for people of all ages, the park plans to extend the FLOWC(ART) hours over the summer, and visitors can check social media (@randallsisland) for updates regarding dates and locations. Speaking of social media, everyone who participates in some crafting is encouraged to share their work via Instagram (or whatever social channel they use) with #randallsisland.
We can't wait to see what creative museum-worthy ideas you think of next!
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